Today we’d like to introduce you to Passion Carson.
Hi Passion, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my journey with Luxe Mink Lashbooks in April of 2020. The pandemic hit hard; I was out of work and unemployed like most people at the time. I was sitting at home, and although I enjoyed free money and hanging out every day, it didn’t seem right to be so unproductive constantly. It started to take a toll on my energy and purpose. Numerous people, I know and follow started their businesses at the very start of the pandemic with funds from unemployment and SBA loans. I began to see so many new, small Black-Owned businesses, from restaurants to clothing brands.
This rush of growth, community, and businesses hit me hard, and I reminisced about Black Wall Street Tulsa, OK. For those who don’t know, the Tulsa Race Massacre occurred in 1921. A thriving community of black people and businesses was burned, destroyed, and run down by white supremacists. This made me very emotional, and I began to realize this pandemic was the start of a NEW BLACK WALL STREET. I wanted to follow my fellow peers and use them as motivation to start and run my own business.
It was very surreal to take an idea I had in my head and the notepad of my iPhone and turn it into a reality. I had contemplated opening a lash and accessory business for approximately 6 months before I could put my plan into action and go into business. Working for myself has always been a dream of mine, not your average 9 to 5. I am still working very hard to break generational curses and end the cycle of just surviving and living paycheck to paycheck. In addition have a source of income to provide for my family (generational wealth). I strongly believe in being self-sufficient and dependent.
Luxe Mink Lashbooks have put me in rooms I thought I would never be in, Introduced me to people I would’ve then never met, & given me opportunities that I would’ve never been exposed to. I am very blessed and truly grateful to have witnessed the beautiful start-up of all these black-owned businesses here in MN and worldwide. Mid-pandemic and struggling through the fight of the case of George Floyd and Black Lives Matter protesting in general. It was extremely empowering to have been an active protester and member of Black Lives Matter during our most revolutionary times. All while developing, growing, and maintaining my business Luxe Mink Lashbooks.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Maintaining my business has been everything but easy! I have days when I’m thrilled and motivated; then, I also have days when I feel sad and unsure of myself and my purpose. In 2021 I suffered quite a few losses, had to move homes, and completely neglected my business due to my own personal occurrences. I was unmotivated and unhappy with my business, and I started to think, why did I even start this business?
Once I could re-stabilize my personal life, I dove back into my business. It doesn’t take much for me to be motivated. This is how I knew I was struggling. After getting where I wanted to be, I decided to re-launch my business after my one-two anniversary in April of this year. I still struggle with the financial aspect of my business, such as ordering products and paying for my pop-up shop events since LML doesn’t have an official home yet. I am still contemplating if I want to be in a location with a store front or keep it rare and unique with the pop-ups, which would make it harder for competitors who are always in the same place.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Luxe Mink Lashbooks specializes in 100% cruelty-free mink eyelashes, authentic accessories, and one-of-a-kind novelty handbags. My business is synonymous with excellent quality and fantabulous pricing throughout the twin cities. My name is also known for the rareness of not having a home and only being available at unique high fashioned pop-up shop events. I am most proud of turning a dream into a reality and having repeat customers who give positive feedback. This way, I can ensure my products are “giving” and delivering everything I expect.
LML is set apart from other businesses because we only have Lashbooks, different from just plain “Lashes.” My Lashbooks are the highest mink quality and only come in sets. If you wear lashes a lot, you should get a large quantity to save money instead of paying $10 – $15 per pair. THE GIRLS THAT GET IT GET IT. Which comes out to $100 or $150 with competitors. My most popular item is my 10-pair Lashbook, which sells for much less than competitors, saving shoppers a ($40) value.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is to understand that I have a business to run. I was talking to a fellow business owner, telling her I feel frustrated with choosing prices for my items. I explained that I had a dilemma about charging too much or too little. She said, “If it is too much for them, they are not your customer.” “You are running a business to make money, not to be everyone’s customer” – Shanee. This gave me so much confidence, and I realized she was right; the lesson learned is that I am doing this for profits, not for likes or being likable to those who don’t like.
Pricing:
- $18
- $35
- $45
- $65
Contact Info:
- Website: LuxeLashbooks.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/LuxeMinks3D
- Facebook: Facebook.com/LuxeLashbooks
